“Who are you and what have you done with my parents?”
“Sorry, dear, we are your parents, no matter how often you wish you’d been switched at birth.” My dad laughs.
“But? Isn’t this the part where you tell me I’m a disappointment? I mean, all you’ve ever talked about is law school, and—”
“And clearly, we were wrong. Honey, this is amazing. And, we have to confess,” my mom says, “that we watched a few of your videos the other night. They’re really quite wonderful. You have talent, Paige, and I think Dad and I agree that marketing is the perfect field for you.”
I can’t stop the tears as they roll down my face. I’m pretty sure I’ve waited years for those very words, and now that they’re here, I’m overwhelmed.
“And, considering you have such a detailed plan, and a successful year ahead of you, consider your schooling fully funded.”
Now I really am going to cry like a baby. Spencer is going to lose his shit when I tell him—
Damn it.
Spencer is not going to lose his shit, because I’m not going to tell him anything. He’s not my boyfriend anymore.
Too bad he’s the first person I want to share my good news with.
Spencer
“Here goes nothing, little dude,” I say to Westley as I adjust the tiny party hat on his head. It’s New Year's Eve and a couple of the guys have their girlfriends over, while I’m sitting alone in my room with my gecko taking selfies to send to my ex-girlfriend.
So, this is what rock bottom feels like.
As ridiculous as it is, I can’t give up. Maybe it’s the hockey jock in me, but I’m not giving up on Paige until the buzzer sounds. Even if that means texting her and spamming her phone with pics of Westley. She responds to those texts more quickly, and apparently, I have no shame.
Spencer:Happy New Year! Westley is sad you can’t kiss him on NYE, but he’ll take a rain check.
Paige:You are torturing that poor animal.
Paige:Also, ew.
Spencer:I’m not showing that text to him. You’ll hurt his feelings.
Spencer:How’s your holiday been?
Paige:Pretty good. Yours?
Spencer:Good. My mom and Ted say hi. I was with them over break. I’m back at school now, though. Zac’s coming back early, too, and we’re going to work on a few things.
Paige:That’s good.
Spencer:Turns out you were right. The better he is, the better we all are. I knew that in my head. I just lost sight of it for a minute there.
Paige:Well, I’m glad things are working out.
Spencer:Yeah...so, um when you’re back on campus, would you have time to get some coffee?
Paige:I don’t know...I don’t think so. Our breakup was really hard on me, and, I don’t know...maybe it’s better if we make a clean break?
Spencer:Yeah, no. I get that. Still, the offer stands if you change your mind.
Paige:Ok. Happy New Year, Spence.
Spencer:Happy New Year
25
